3 Best Countertop Ice Makers For Seniors in 2024

What To Look For When Buying Countertop Ice Makers

SIZE

For the most part, portable ice makers will be on the small side, that is what makes them portable, but you will find some variety in how much space they take up and the amount of ice they can produce or store. Manufacturers provide will provide the dimensions and the capacity rate in their product specs, so it will be easy to confirm that you’re buying the size or capacity you need.

If size and weight aren’t particular concerns, then the main thing to think about is the capacity. You want a machine that can hold as much ice as you need unless you’re okay with bagging the ice to move it to a freezer to store

SPEED

In addition to figuring out the amount of ice you need your ice machine to hold, you need to make sure it will make ice quickly enough for you. The capacity is usually provided in pounds of ice per day.

Most manufacturers also make it clear in their product specs how long you can expect to wait until you’ll start to get ice. Most countertop ice machines will begin to produce ice somewhere in the range of 10-20 minutes after you first add water and turn them on. This will vary from model to model, so if speed is an important factor for you, then you will want to be sure to keep an eye out for this.

EXPENSE

Portable ice makers are affordable appliances. They typically start at around $100, and then vary in cost up to about $500 for higher-capacity models. All in all, that’s not a huge range in cost. A close look at the reviews suggests that going a step up from the most affordable models in cost typically means ending up with a machine that lasts longer.

EASE OF USE

In general, portable ice makers are pretty easy to use. Most of them have intuitive controls, basic instructions, and no real installation requirements (you just need an electrical outlet). Some may have slightly easier to use controls than others, and some include features that make it easier to tell when the ice machine is full. On the whole though, you shouldn’t be too worried about being able to figure out how to use a portable ice machine.

One thing that really lends itself to ease of use is an intelligent water use feature that filters and re-freezes water as the ice in the machine melts. You won’t have to re-fill the machine as often, or drain all the ice you don’t use in time. You will, of course, still need to clean the machine in between uses, but the feature saves on a few of the steps you’d have to deal with otherwise.

STURDINESS

Freezing water is hard work. As such, any machine that isn’t especially well made is likely to have issues within a relatively short amount of use. Unfortunately, portable ice machines aren’t the type of appliance you can count on buying once and using for a decade or more, even most of the highest-quality models are unlikely to last that long. But spending a little more can often be the difference between getting a year or less of use or a few years out of your machine.

The best way to gain an idea of how long you can expect your portable ice maker to last is to read the reviews. People will complain if their model doesn’t last long enough to satisfy, and many also take the time to praise a machine that works without problem for a long amount of time.

SMART WATER USE

One of the new features that a portable ice machine can offer is smart water use. If you don’t use all the ice your machine creates before it melts, the ice machine will re-use it and turn it into ice all over again, which is a great convenience.

Since countertop ice makers don’t keep the ice frozen, without this feature your risk wasting water that just gets thrown out if you don’t either transfer the ice to a freezer or use it quickly enough. And you’ll have more of a mess to deal with in between uses. Intelligent water use saves on water, saves you the trouble of having to refill the machine, and ensures you can use the product without running out and having to add new water as often.

APPEARANCE

If your portable ice maker will consistently stay on a countertop, then you will likely want to consider which of the models available will look good there. As you browse your options, you will quickly notice that countertop ice makers are available in a range of colors and finishes.

The most common colors will be black, white and stainless steel. However, you will also find plenty of units available that allow you to add a splash of color.

SELF-CLEANING

A self-cleaning ice maker makes the most tedious part of using a portable ice maker cleaning it, much easier.

AUTOMATIC TIMER

An automatic timer makes it possible for you to set a specific time for the machine to make ice, so it’s ready for you at the particular time you need it.

ICE SIZE SELECTION

Some portable ice makers let you choose between two or three different sizes of ice based on your personal preferences.

ICE SCOOP

A few portable ice makers come with an ice scoop included

Cons For GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

• Some Said They Had Trouble With Customer Service.
• Some Said It Was An Unacceptable Noise Levels.
• Some Said It Did Not Last Very Long.

Cons For Igloo Stainless Steel Automatic Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker Machine

• Some Said It Did Not Last A Long Time.
• Some Said It Was Unreturnable.
• Some Said It Was Of A Poor Quality.

Cons For IKICH Portable Ice Maker Machine

• Some Said The Ice Melts Too Quickly.
• Some Said The Noise Level Was Loud And Uncomfortable.
• Some Said It Is Not Last Long.